Finding Time for Self-Care by Mrg Simon We’ve all heard the mantra of the importance of self- How do you make time for one more thing? Try the four care: reduced stress, better focus, more intentionality, R’s both at home and at work to find more time in your and all around better mental health. Great objectives. schedule: But real life – especially for lawyers – has many personal and professional demands to juggle – parenting, caring 1. Reduce – Do you really need to be the one to for elders, school activities, relationships, deadlines, do that task? Or could you do it less frequently? depositions, discovery, client meetings, negotiations ... Household paperwork every day or once a week? the list goes on. Time is a limited commodity and fitting It’s a big time-saver to figure out what your in one more thing is something we lawyers avoid just minimum standards are (for example) to maintain to maintain our own sanity. How could I possibly find a clean house. Give it a try! more time in my day when I’m stretched to the limit? 2. Remove – Can you eliminate items from you To Do list? Think of all the things you’ve given up A major barrier to self-care is time and most have a during the pandemic. Many don’t need to be in hard time justifying doing something that seems selfyour routine ever again. Maybe you can eliminate indulgent. If you’re having trouble finding time to a weekly trip to Target and go just once a month. be compassionate to yourself, it’s time to listen up. That is found time! Acknowledge that all the demands on your life – both 3. Reassign – Are you really the only person in work and personal – put your health at risk, run you the house or office who can do this task? Spread down. You need to make time to take care of yourself. around responsibilities and mentor new routines with younger lawyers or paralegals in your office.
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